The World's Most-Famous Eco-Lodges

With climate change and sustainability top of mind for many travelers these days, there is no better time to consider visiting some of the world's most famous eco resorts and hotels, places that not only make it a point to keep their footprint on the Earth to a minimum, but also allow guests to do their part.

This stunning hideaway is located in the center of Southeast Asia's Coral Triangle, a legendary place that contains at least 500 species of reef-building corals and is recognized as a global center of marine biodiversity. One of the most famed eco properties in the world, Misool Eco Resort includes 13 bungalows crafted from reclaimed wood. The property's mission is to protect and revitalize its natural surroundings and the community in which it operates.

Built by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, Turtle Inn is an eco-complex featuring 25 thatched cottages that are naturally cooled by the ever-present tropical breezes. The eco-conscious inn is known for using stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic and serving meals made with ingredients from its organic garden.

This charming hotel holds the highest ranking possible in the Sustainable Tourism Certification Program, earning a level five with a perfect score of 100. Some of Finca Rosa Blanca's notable efforts include operating with solar panels, recycling grey water and sourcing all food for guests locally, according to Eluxe Magazine.

Located in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, Bushmans Kloof is an ecological oasis and a magical wilderness experience. Committed to conservation and social responsibility, the 16-room property in South Africa has won numerous ecological awards including a silver award for Best Contribution to Cultural Heritage Conservation from African Responsible. The property is home to more than 150 kinds of birds, 750 plant species and more than 35 kinds of mammals.

A 27-villa resort, Song Saa pioneered conservation-based luxury tourism in Cambodia's Koh Rong Archipelago. Working with surrounding villages, Cambodia's government, donor partners and more, the resort seeks to improve local livelihoods and preserve marine life and rainforests. Some of the properties luxe details meanwhile include villas with plunge pools and a spa made up of small "sanctuaries" across the island providing treatments amid nature.

Con Dao is a breathtaking location that's been protected for decades as a national and marine park. The Six Senses property located here is equally as stunning. Buildings are constructed from reclaimed teak and notable sustainability measures include meals made of local, organic foods; using non-toxic biodegradable cleaning products and prohibiting the use of plastic water bottles.

Named one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World, Jicaro Island Ecolodge is located on a private island in the Granada Isletas of Lake Nicaragua. The lodge includes nine private luxury casitas and was built from certified wood and local materials. Sustainability efforts range from buying local to employing local and running programs to help area schools.

A social enterprise that was established and is operated by the Conservation Ecology Centre, the Great Ocean Ecolodge invests all of its profits into wildlife conservation. In addition, the Ecolodge itself is entirely solar powered and ecologically responsible. Located within the Conservation Ecology Centre grounds, guests often awake to see kangaroo peacefully grazing outside their bedroom window.

Sitting amid 50 acres of rainforest and on the edge of two national parks, Resurgence Ecolodge's setting showcases New Zealand at its finest. Named one of the world's 25 best eco-lodges by National Geographic magazine, Resurgence has planted several thousand native trees since 2003, which were eco-sourced from local suppliers. In addition, buildings were designed and constructed to blend into the native bush and minimize resource usage.

An award-winning private nature reserve that was developed to oversee the conservation and sustainable management of uninhabited Chumbe Island, (off of Zanzibar), this retreat includes a fully protected coral reef sanctuary and forest reserve that's home to abundant wildlife. The island's accommodations and guest lodge meanwhile are constructed with state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly architecture and were created to have near zero environmental impact.

A 125-acre island that's a one-hour speedboat ride from the port of Coron, Ariara Resort takes its responsibilities to the environment and the local community seriously. It provides employment and training to locals, including educating them about sustainable fishing methods. Ariara is also experimenting with renewable energy such as wind and solar. And not be overlooked, the island resort has also been named one of the most glamorous places in the world.

Located beside the River Cristalino, inside a private forest reserve in the southern part of the Brazilian Amazon, this lodge has been carefully designed to integrate harmoniously with the jungle. Yet another property that's truly committed to the environment, Cristalino Lodge supports the Cristalino Foundation, an organization devoted to environmental education, human development and minimizing human impact on the environment.

A luxe boutique hotel located on the shores of Lake Atitlan and nestled in its own nature reserve, Laguna Lodge's mission statement details a focus on being stewards of cultural and biological diversity, while also mitigating the property's effect on global warming. This effort includes using 180 solar panels to help produce power, solar hot water heating and Wi-Fi provided by a solar-powered tower, among many efforts. Food options meanwhile are organic and meat-free.

Pacuare Lodge's commitment to sustainable tourism includes having bathrooms that are equipped with biodegradable soap and shampoo and water that's solar heated. Located on 25,000 acres of high-biodiversity rainforest in the Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica, the lodge was also constructed to have minimal impact on the surrounding forest and river. In fact, no trees were cut to create the guest bungalows or main lodge.

Playa Nicuesa is a retreat that lives in harmony with nature. This 165-acre eco-friendly getaway is immersed in the rainforest on the Osa Peninsula and is reachable only by boat. The lodge embraces conservation and caters to travelers interested in ecotourism, nature and adventure sports. There's even a sustainability coordinator on staff who ensures that the lodge honors the environment. Guest experiences meanwhile are designed to allow visitors to connect with the natural world of the rainforest and ocean via both education and adventure.